Y2 Yoga forges ahead with new Dilworth studio despite pandemic pressures

Y2 Yoga has snapped up a prime Dilworth space.

The yoga concept plans a soft opening this weekend at 2230 Park Road at Dilworth Crossing. It will then ramp up class offerings over the next few weeks," says Tanner Bazemore, founder.

That space was formerly home to Yoga One, which closed its two Charlotte studios in June, citing Covid-19. The 2,800-square-foot space presented an opportunity at an unlikely time for growth.

"It was just sort of serendipitous for us," Bazemore says. "It has all of the things we need."

Expansion was on the radar prior to Covid; slower times allowed the brand to dial in and start positioning itself for the future. The Dilworth site fit because of demographics and a minimal initial investment.

A typical studio would cost in excess of $500,000, Bazemore says.

"What we had to put up in terms of capital is nothing compared to what it will be to start a studio from scratch," he says.

That's key as the pandemic continues to pressure Y2. Class sizes have been cut from 100-plus down to 30, with students wearing masks and enhanced sanitization protocols in place. A number of yoga ventures in the Charlotte market have closed.

"There's no question that it has been a hit to the bottom line," he says.

Still, Bazemore says he's an optimist. With fewer yoga studios open, he knows that people will be seeking a new home to practice.

"Y2 is the Rocky Balboa of yoga studios. Knock us down all you want and we just get back up."

The concept got its start in September 2009 in a 2,300-square-foot space. By 2015, it had moved into an 11,833-square-foot space in Cotswold with two studios, a spa and a chiropractor.

It offers upwards of 100 classes every week, including power yoga offerings designed to be more challenging and faster paced, Bazemore says. Y2's approach to yoga includes loud music, a warm up, a standing sequence — completed once or twice based on the class. It also offers traditional offerings and a deep stretch restorative class.

Special new client pricing is available through January. A three-week pass costs $39, while a six-week pass is offered for $69. Both are for unlimited yoga. An annual pass is available for $1,299.

Josh Beaver with The Nichols Co. represented the landlord on the transaction. Jimmy Flowers with Flowers Capital Holdings represented Y2.